Mexican beef exports into other major markets have also grown. Good demand from Japan resulted in a 21% increase on year-ago levels, to 7,048 tonnes swt.

While exports have increased, Mexican beef imports have experienced a decline of 22% so far this year. Major trading countries such as the US and Canada have both recorded declines in their exports to Mexico, and volumes from Australia also back 44%, at just 369 tonnes swt.

However, off the back of continued high demand in the global market for Australian beef, beef offal exports have increased this so far this year. Year-to-September Australian beef lips shipments to Mexico have soared to 1,942 tonnes swt – up 59% on year-ago volumes.

As imported volumes from bigger trading partners continue to ease, opportunities for smaller beef producing countries have emerged. Nicaragua, for instance, has increased its volume into Mexico this year-to-date to 1,739 tonnes swt – up substantially on year-ago volumes of only 47 tonnes swt.